NCJ Number
143119
Date Published
1993
Length
86 pages
Annotation
Data from a sample of more than 7,700 felons sentenced in urban Texas during 1991 were analyzed to determine sentencing patterns, offense characteristics, the demographic characteristics of the offenders within offense and sentence categories, and victim characteristics.
Abstract
The survey gathered data from a representative sample of offenders sentenced in Bexar, Dallas, El Paso, Harris, Nueces, Tarrant, and Travis counties. Findings were extrapolated to all 58,266 offenders convicted in these counties. Results revealed that Harris County contributed the largest proportion of offenders in the seven counties and more than Bexar, El Paso, Nueces, Tarrant, and Travis Counties combined. Harris County also contributed the largest proportion among the seven counties of offenders sentenced to prison with no prior felony convictions and with sentences of 5 years or less. Most offenders sentenced to prison were sentenced for offenses traditionally defined as nonviolent. Drug possession, burglary, and theft offenders accounted for 57 percent of the offenders sentenced to prison. The conviction rate per 100,000 adults in each racial or ethnic group was more than six times higher for blacks than for whites and 4.5 times higher for blacks than for Hispanics. More whites and Hispanics were convicted for property offenses than for any other type of offense, while more blacks were convicted for drug law offenses than for any other offense. Sixty-three percent of the offenders were under probation or parole supervision when they committed the offense for which they were convicted. The 58,266 felons caused injury, property damage, or loss to 35,756 persons, of whom 10,396 were physically injured. Figures, tables, and appended tables